Distilled on the southern shore of Islay, Laphroaig has been producing one of Scotland's most distinctive single malts since 1815. The distillery's character is shaped by its own floor maltings, peat cut from the Islay bog, and the brackish coastal air of the Kildalton coast, producing a spirit of deep, unmistakable smokiness that has defined the house style for over two centuries.
This 14 Year Old limited edition was personally selected by actor and Friend of Laphroaig Willem Dafoe alongside Senior Whisky Blender Sarah Dowling, chosen entirely on instinct and without formal tasting notes. Finished in Oloroso sherry casks, the expression brings a layer of soft sweetness and depth to Laphroaig's signature peat-driven character. With no formal notes from the distillery, the bottle is designed to provoke personal interpretation rather than guided expectation, making it a singular collector's piece and a gift unlike any other in the current Laphroaig range.
Tasting Note by JPHA:Nose: Deep, unmistakable peat smoke with a coastal edge and the quiet richness of Oloroso sherry.Palate: Sea salt, warming spice and soft sweetness, with layers that shift and evolve in the glass.Finish: Long, smoky and mouthwatering, with a lingering complexity that resists easy definition.
The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old 2026 Release is an annual release from the Sherry Oak Collection, matured for a minimum of 18 years on The Macallan Estate in Speyside. The expression is led by predominantly sherry seasoned European oak casks from Jerez, Spain, bringing a combination of dried fruit, ginger, dark chocolate and oak character.
The Macallan’s sherry seasoned casks form a central part of the maturation process. European and American oak casks are taken to Spanish bodegas and filled with sherry wine for seasoning. Once emptied, the casks are transported to Speyside and filled with The Macallan’s new make spirit. During maturation, the whisky draws flavour, aroma and its entirely natural colour from the oak.
The 18 Year Old sits alongside the 12, 25 and 30 Year Old expressions in the Sherry Oak Collection. For the 2026 release, the presentation forms part of The Macallan’s collaboration with designer David Carson, whose artwork interprets the journey of the Maison’s sherry seasoned oak casks. The design incorporates repeated references to the number 18, representing sleeping casks, alongside sherry-red tones and a touch of white referencing American oak.
Tasting Notes by The Macallan:Nose: Treacle tart with stem ginger, soaked raisins and sultanas with orange and ground cinnamon.Palate: Dark chocolate coated ginger with dates and dried apricots, balanced with a hint of oak and vanilla sweetness.Finish: Long with dried fruits, ginger and oak.
